Canine Mental Health: Does Your Dog Need Professional Help?
Does your dog need a professional couch, or more activity? photo: AdobeStock
When we speak of a dog’s health, we’re often referring to their bodies and only their bodies. But what about our dogs’ mental health?
In recent years, human mental health has finally begun to get the attention it deserves. As the rich and famous - and our own family members - increasingly reveal the realities of their struggles, we learn more. We’re beginning to recognize the level of suffering individuals and families endure. And though we’ve come a long way, we still have a long way to go when it comes to understanding, compassion, and solutions for those with mental health challenges.
But mental health issues aren’t limited to humans. As a professional dog trainer with four decades of full-time, hands-on experience, I can tell you that our dogs also suffer emotionally and behaviorally. As sentient beings, how could they not?
Like humans, dogs come with an array of family and genetic traits. They experience trauma, stress, and the demands put upon them the same as we do. Like us, how an individual dog copes with life depends on that individual.
Some dogs, like some people, can bounce back from adversity while others may be deeply affected by life’s events. As with humans, a dog’s coping skills can determine whether life’s difficulties make them stronger, more resilient, and capable - or just the opposite.
Facing a Dog’s Emotional Suffering
Behavioral and emotional problems can dramatically affect a dog’s quality of life and, by extension, that of their human companions. While scientists continue to explore the roles of genetics, environment, experience, and learning, we are left to navigate bumpy roads when our friends, families, and dogs face mental health challenges. But despite ongoing gaps in knowledge, we must consider mental health as well as physical health when it comes to our dogs’ well-being and quality of life. We have to be willing to recognize emotional suffering in our dogs and respond to it humanely.
It is hard to face the fact that a dog with serious behavioral or emotional problems may be living a very difficult life. And it’s confusing and painful to learn that our dog’s problems may not be something we can fix with love and dedication alone. But dogs and people suffer when these problems are ignored or minimized. While even great training may fall short for some of these dogs, training with an experienced force-free trainer is still an excellent place to start.
What About Medication?
I spent many years preaching against using medications for behavioral issues in dogs. I dismissed this as a cop-out and not a real solution. Great! Let’s medicate ourselves, our kids, and now our dogs into oblivion, I thought. Then I saw meds in action.
I was wrong.
Now I know that medication can be a real solution for some adults, kids, and dogs. Medication can help alleviate suffering and, for some dogs, make it possible for training and behavior modification to work more effectively. Medication isn't a failure. Sometimes it is part of the help an animal needs.
Can I Rehome a Dog with Challenges?
Rehoming a challenging dog is complicated. When we rehome or surrender dogs with serious behavioral problems, some may get the help they need, but many do not. Too often they end up being rehomed repeatedly, isolated in backyards, or punished for behavior they may not be able to control.
Unfortunately, I know of shelters and rescue groups that have placed problematic or even dangerous dogs for adoptions, including dogs that have been returned multiple times. When serious behavioral histories aren't fully understood or disclosed, the results can be devastating for the dog and the people involved. Repeated unsuccessful placements can add even more stress to an already troubled dog. Meanwhile, stable dogs wait for homes while limited rescue resources are stretched thinner and thinner.
Behavioral Euthanasia
Behavioral euthanasia is one of the hardest subjects for any dog lover to consider. But we need to be able to talk about it with honesty and compassion.
In serious cases, when a dog is suffering, presents a safety risk, or cannot be safely and humanely managed despite appropriate professional help, euthanasia may be the most humane option left. Still, I can think of little else more painful than facing this final choice.
People who make this most difficult decision are often judged and criticized. But sometimes choosing to end a dog's suffering is an act of compassion and love at the highest of prices.
What Does Suffering Look Like?
Finally, we need to remember: suffering doesn't always look dramatic. The dog who bites, attacks, or lunges gets our attention. But the dog who hides, shuts down, lives in chronic fear, or is afraid to interact with the world may be suffering just as much or more.
Seeing our dogs in a realistic light can help us do what is best for them in the long term. If you are concerned about your dog’s mental or behavioral health, start with your veterinarian. Physical problems can affect behavior, so medical causes should always be considered first.
Signs Your Dog May Need Help
Any one of the following behaviors could mean your dog needs professional help. If you are trying to manage a dog with these difficult traits, I recommend moving towards a solution sooner than later.
Bites or attempts to bite
Growls frequently in situations that seem difficult for the dog
Attacks, rushes, or repeatedly “rolls” other dogs
Scares very easily
Has difficulty recovering after being frightened
Is persistently suspicious or fearful of people or other dogs
Lunges or reacts strongly on leash
Seems withdrawn or shows a significant change in normal behavior
Is fearful or suspicious of ordinary people, places, or things
Hides frequently
Is extremely nervous or timid
Has difficulty relaxing, even in familiar surroundings
Avoids activities or interactions they previously enjoyed
Remember, the important question isn't “Is my dog behaving badly?” It’s “Is my dog struggling?”
A dog doesn't have to be physically sick to be suffering. Recognizing that suffering and being willing to get help, make changes, and sometimes make terribly difficult decisions is an essential part of caring for your whole dog, not just their body.